20 Side Business Ideas (Side Hustles) for Extra Income

Remember that time you found a $20 bill in the pocket of your old jeans? Now, imagine experiencing that kind of unexpected delight, but instead of finding a forgotten $20, you’re discovering a whole new revenue stream. That’s the power of side hustles!

We’ve asked entrepreneurs how their side hustles went and what industries they think will boom in 2024. Here are their answers so you can get inspired and start turning your free time into a financial boon — one expert tip at a time!

Check out our interview with Nick Loper to learn how to start and scale your side hustle, directly from a seasoned entrepreneur!

1. Leveraging Networking and Sweat Equity in Real Estate

Real estate will be a phenomenal industry to dwell in for several reasons: you can make some good cash and passive income and build wealth over time. You get paid for activity and not by the hour, which means you can work evenings and weekends without interrupting your current daily activities.

The best way to get started is to go to your local REIA, where you can network and learn from other real estate investors what it is they do and ask them how you can help them in their business. It is free or takes very little to get started because most of the activities you can accomplish with sweat equity, and it will yield massive results!

Kenny Garza, owner of Dioro Home Buyers

2. Creating Lucrative Niche Channels on YouTube

I started a side business of YouTube videos for rain and storm sounds to help people sleep. The videos get thousands of views every month from people wanting to sleep and use the sound effects.

First, I found royalty-free rain sounds and got a nice-looking royalty-free stock video. After this, I made the video the same length as the sound effects and uploaded it to YouTube. I do this same process for every video uploaded when I do upload. The idea came to me when I first discovered those channels on YouTube and saw the amount of views they were getting and I realized I could easily replicate that.

The main challenge I faced was breaking into the niche, but after uploading over 10 videos, the traffic began to pour in. Time and consistency were really the only challenges, and I had both on my side.

I see automated AI YouTube channels becoming an extremely profitable venture in 2024, and the best part is there are endless niches for it.

Timothy Connon, founder of ParamountQuote

3. Selling Handcrafted Goods

Handmade crafts like painting, knitting, woodworking, etc., are thriving. According to my comprehension, you are able to earn money online. Home-based art, craft, and painting sales may be profitable.

Learn online craft sales. To master craft-selling, decide what to make and who your consumer is, and then build your brand. You can sell online via your website on Wix (you can even build a Facebook Shop), Etsy, or Fiverr when you’re ready.

Focus on generating market-leading, high-quality items to maximize earnings. You could also broaden your audience using social media marketing. This is also an ideal small-town business the idea’s feasibility.

Marom Anaky, marketing manager at Coinscipher

4. Social Media Management & Content Creation

I think social media runs the world, and we live in it. Almost every business out there has some social media presence, yet owners frequently lack the time or knowledge to maximize the potential of their accounts. Then you come in!

One of the finest little side biz concepts is social media management, consulting, or strategy. An effective social media manager will build a schedule, generate material (text, photos, and video), manage calendars for content, interact with followers, respond to messages and comments, and then monitor statistics.

John Smith, founder of pcbitalian

5. The Lucrative Potential of Niche Janitorial Services

In 2017, while working at Yelp, I was inspired to start my office cleaning company, Celestial Cleaning Service, after interacting with numerous small business owners.

I asked every business owner how they did it, and they informed me that, first, you have to choose the industry and the business name and then get a city license, insurance, and bond to give your clients peace of mind. After that, I created an online presence and started advertising. Once I got a few clients, I hired my mother and sister who at the time were unemployed, and it was great!

I am happy I chose the janitorial cleaning service industry because there are endless opportunities. Clients are constantly opening new companies and thus need commercial cleaning companies to help them maintain their spaces.

I see this industry growing significantly in 2024 and beyond. If you think of starting in my industry, look into office cleaning service and window cleaning, which you can start with less than $99 and a few door knocks to businesses in dire need of cleaner windows (especially restaurants).

Paulo Filho, owner of Celestial Cleaning Service

6. Bartending

Providing bar services is the best side hustle! A few friends asked me to bartend their weddings, and I turned it into a business. It is a low-cost start-up, and I built inventory as I made money. My best investment was finding an organization that offered a great training program on building a profitable business — and I now operate in two states.

Marti Statler, founder of Rebel Queen

7. Book Reviews & Analysis

Offering a book review or literary analysis service would be a great option for a side business.

With a deep love for literature, one can provide detailed book reviews, analyze literary works, and give personalized reading recommendations to clients. Building a website or blog to showcase the services and create an online presence should be the first step.

To make it even more feasible, think about offering different pricing options for various review lengths or types of literary analysis. One could also explore partnerships with local bookstores or libraries to expand the reach.

Engaging with book communities on social media is essential to promote the services and attract a client base.

Sam Romain, CEO of Hemponix

8. Freelance Researching

Whether you’re putting together documents for a competitor or market research, answering tough technical questions on forums, or analyzing statistics to point out trends, you can put your skills to work for your clients with the freedom to work how you want.

Paul Posea, outreach specialist at Superside

9. Personalized Digital Services

I dove into my side gig by spotting a need for custom digital content for small businesses. The big challenge? Fitting it around my day job and finding those first few clients.

If you’re thinking of starting a side hustle, my advice is simple: Use what you’re good at and what you love. Start small, get chatty, and build your network. And remember, being adaptable is key.

For 2024, I’m betting on personalized digital services like tailor-made content and smart social media strategies. They’re gold for standing out in the online world.

Nathan Jacobs, senior researcher at The Money Mongers

10. Pet Sitting, YouTube & Blogging

Here are some business ideas that have been successful for me:

• Pet sitting — I started pet sitting for my cat to get a bit social with other cats, and the other benefit was that it generated income that helped pay for groceries and sometimes a bit of travel as well.

• YouTube — I started YouTube while I was looking for work. Surprisingly, even though I haven’t posted any videos recently, I am actually making money with it.

• Blogging — This is something that I am currently working on. To have a blog and create passive income for myself.

Tom Mehra, digital nomad & software engineer, Tommera

11. Exploring Different Niches in Video Marketing

Those with a talent for videography and a flair for storytelling are perfect candidates for video marketing. If you find yourself in this description, there are plenty of options to explore (explainer videos, testimonials, tutorials, or documentary videos). You can provide your services to individuals or businesses or individuals who want to promote their products, services, or brands.

Of course, you need to have some videography equipment, software, and skills, as well as a portfolio of your work and a website or a social media page. Some of the challenges you may face are finding clients, standing out from the competition, and delivering high-quality videos on time and on budget.

Don’t forget to network with other videographers and potential clients!

Erika Mac Donald, founder & CEO of Engaging New Media

12. Riding the Green Wave

My side hustle, PrintKK, blossomed by tapping into the niche of print-on-demand services. We saw that the market wasn’t really offering a diverse, user-friendly platform that required no inventory. Facing hurdles like perfecting the product quality and optimizing the user experience, we persevered, always prioritizing customer feedback.

My advice would be to start small and lean while focusing on what customers crave. Looking ahead, eco-friendly and personalized products are the next big wave for side hustles in 2024 — ride this green trend early, and you could see substantial growth.

Eve Smith, co-founder & editor at PrintKK Inc

13. Capitalizing on Eco-Tech Fusion

I started my business because I love the outdoors. I created a platform that offers advice on outdoor adventures because I noticed the lack of accessible and comprehensive guides for enthusiasts. To start, we curated content and created an approachable website. We’re also big on interacting with the outdoor community on social media. I think our biggest obstacles were making certain that we provided accurate content and establishing a first user base.

I recommend creating an engaging community with a focus on specialized knowledge. Don’t forget to update old content. In 2024, I think there will be more demand for eco-friendly adventure gear, and this is great news for all those who like combining technology and nature. They can enjoy virtual outdoor experiences and make a profit!

Dan Barnard, founder of Abom

14. Transforming Passion into Profitable Courses

With platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, you can take full advantage of today’s creator economy and bank on turning your hobbies into side hustles. Take something you’re good at and enjoy (e.g., yoga, baking, or any DIY project) and turn it into a course.

Before diving in, especially for course creation, use tools like Google Trends because it will help you see what people are searching for. You’ll also see if there’s a real demand for what you think of offering. Also, look at existing courses in similar spaces for inspiration.

The perfect time to start is when your passion intersects with what people are looking for.

That’s your signal! Plus, it’s something you’ll love doing!

James Watts, founder of Tech.io

15. Virtual Event Consulting

In 2024, I personally foresee that virtual event consulting will be a highly profitable side business. Drawing from my event company’s success, I think many can capitalize on this trend by offering expertise in crafting and hosting personalized virtual events.

There will be many opportunities for consultants (including myself) to guide clients through every step of virtual event planning.

Sally Johnson, founder & CEO of Green Light Booking

16. Podcasting

If you think of a possible lucrative side hustle and have something you love talking about (from technology to true crime), why not start a podcast? You can create interesting content, interview experts, and build a loyal audience. It will open up the possibility to monetize your podcast through sponsorships or affiliate marketing. You can even turn to platforms like Patreon for listener support.

The best thing — podcasting is flexible, so you can work on it during your free time, making it an ideal side business with a substantial potential for growth (both in the audience and the income aspects).

Adrian Hall, business development manager at Pharmacist Schools

17. Offering Pet-Related Services

Starting a dog-walking business has been one of my most rewarding side hustles since the pandemic. I love dogs, and I recognized that pet owners in my community had very busy schedules, so the idea came to me. At first, I offered my services to neighbors and friends, and then the word spread. I also used social media to promote my services.

I set a flexible schedule, came up with competitive pricing, and invested in basic supplies (e.g., leashes and waste bags). However, balancing the dog walking schedule with my primary commitments was a bit challenging. For me, it’s crucial to build trust with clients and their pets and ensure the safety and enjoyment of the dogs in my care.

For anyone who’s considering a side business — choose something you’re passionate about, as it’ll drive your commitment and help you overcome obstacles.

I think that pet-related services, particularly those offering convenience and personalized care (mobile grooming, pet sitting, dog walking, etc.), will continue to boom in 2024.

Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, dog trainer, and senior veterinary contributor at We Love Doodles

18. Customized Workout Plans for Remote Workers

A side hustle that has lots of potential and might see a profitable increase in demand in 2024 is developing customized fitness plans for all of the remote/hybrid workers around the world.

This may involve crafting workout plans by contacting the client and noting their preferences, fitness level, and equipment available to them or supplying them with equipment at lower rates. The main focus of this side hustle would be on creating flexible and adaptable fitness plans that the clients can seemingly integrate into their remote work lifestyle.

Ozzi Jarvinen, founder of Iglu

19. Starting a Neighborhood Car Wash

We all find washing our cars a boring chore that requires lots of effort and time to fit into our busy lives. This is why starting a side hustle that offers car washing and detailing services is one of the most profitable side businesses of all time.

You can offer a convenient solution in your neighborhood. Start with buying basic supplies like sponges, soap, and waxes. This low-cost setup is practically all you need to begin without any expensive investment. You can attract clients by posting flyers at community centers and events or local stores.

Ray Pierce, founder & CEO of Zippy Cash For Cars

20. Finding Side Hustles through a Company

We research, review, and rate plug-and-play side hustles — the type offered by online platforms like Rover, Instacart, and EatWith.

The great thing about the era we’re in today is that you don’t have to have a brilliant idea and go door-to-door marketing it. If you want to launch a side hustle, all you have to do is sign up with a company that helps you nab a gig you’d like.

Not sure what you can or would want to do? Take our quiz. It allows you to answer a few questions to find a side hustle to fit your unique combination of skills, interests, and resources.

Kathy Kristof, CEO of SideHusl.com